This report delivers evidence-based and practical recommendations on how to better support employment and economic development in Flanders, Belgium. It builds on sub-national data analysis and consultations with local stakeholders in two case study areas (Antwerp and Limburg). It provides a comparative framework to understand the role of the local level in contributing to more and better quality jobs. The report can help national,

Belgium’s labour market continues to perform poorly relative to the OECD average. The employment rate of 61.8% (Q1 2014) is well below the OECD average and little changed from its pre-crisis level. Unemployment, at 8.5% in Q2 2014, remains close to peak levels, unlike in most other countries

Two rounds of the Survey of Adult Skills are under way: Round 1 (2008-13) with 24 participating countries, whose results were released in October 2013, and Round 2 (2012-16) with 9 participating countries, whose results will be released in 2016. A third round is scheduled to begin in May 2014.

Belgium has a good record in delivering accessible care, but adaptation to population ageing will be
complicated by the fragmentation of responsibilities in the healthcare system and a strong reliance on
government regulations.

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